Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Former Broncos OL has suggestion for Russell Wilson

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/30/23

Former Denver Broncos offensive lineman and current NFL analyst Mark Schlereth has a specific request for quarterback Russell Wilson ahead of the 2023 season.

"I say this a bunch about Russell Wilson," Schlereth explained during a Friday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," as shared by Kameron Duncan of the Spun. "Be real."

Schlereth also blasted Wilson for the veteran's "inauthentic nature" and the supposed "toxic positivity" sometimes displayed by the 34-year-old.

During the interview segment that contains some not-safe-for-work language, Schlereth challenged Wilson to take more accountability while working under new head coach Sean Payton. Such takes are hardly new from Schlereth. Per Chad Jensen of FanNation's Mile High Huddle, the three-time Super Bowl champion ripped Wilson for sharing a workout video online earlier this month:

All my life. #RestorationSzn pic.twitter.com/Skd53J8UyE
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) June 17, 2023

During Friday's interview, Schlereth referenced the many controversies that hovered over Wilson throughout what became a disappointing first season with the Broncos.

The one-time Super Bowl champion quarterback was called a "poser," "one of the least authentic personalities we have in this league" and "phony" after his "Broncos Country, let’s ride" catchphrase became a punchline among the NFL community. Wilson was subsequently accused of sparking a potential mutiny within the locker room and was mocked for a regrettable Subway commercial and a high-knees workout on a plane.

Denver players publicly supported Wilson despite the team finishing with a 5-12 record, and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy recently praised his QB1 for being a "soldier" who has "a big year coming ahead."

ESPN stats show Wilson ended last regular season ranked 27th among eligible quarterbacks with a 36.7 adjusted QBR and an 84.4 passer rating. Such production is simply unacceptable for a signal-caller who signed a five-year contract extension reportedly worth up to $245M last September.

Wilson's play more than his personality will determine his place in Payton's lineup beyond September. It's thought Payton won't hesitate to start backup Jarrett Stidham if Wilson again looks like a shell of his former self over the first month or so of the 2023 campaign.

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